Humidifier

ABSTRACT

A humidifier for injecting fluid into a moving stream of gas comprises a spray head having at least one spray aperture and having a feed conduit for introducing fluid under pressure to the spray aperture, a cleaning member sized to fit within the spray aperture, and mechanism connected to the cleaning member for selectively moving it from a first position wherein it protrudes within the spray aperture to a second position wherein it is withdrawn from the spray aperture so that the cleaning member will clear the spray aperture of any obstructions therein. A freewheeling fan is mounted over the spray aperture and is adapted to rotate in response to the flow of gas past the spray head. Rotation of the wheel deflects and facilitates vaporization of the stream of fluid exiting from the spray head.

United States Patent Jamell Apr. 16, 1974 [54] HUMIDIFIER 3,42l,745 H1969 Prupis 26l/DlG. l5

5 9 l 2 l [76] Inventor: Francis A. Jamell, 805 S. 11th Ave., 99 942 161mm 5 Marshantown lowa 50158 Primary Examiner-Tim R. Miles [22] Filed: Apr. 17, 1972 Assistant Examiner-Richard L. Chiesa l 1 pp No': 244,380 Attorney, Agent, or Firm Zar ey, McKee & Thomte [57] ABSTRACT U-S- C]--.;..... on 17, A humidifier for injecting into a moving stream 261/69 R, 261/1316 15 of gas comprises a spray head having at least one [5 Int. pray aperture and having a feed conduit for introduc- Field of searchm 261/39, 1 16, 69 R, 1316- ing fluid under pressure to the spray aperture; a clean- 225 ing member sized to fit within the spray aperture, and

mechanism connected to the cleaning member for se- References Cited lectively moving it from a first position wherein it pro- UNITED STATES PATENTS trudes within the spray aperture to a second position 685,652 10/1901 Smith 239 117 wherein it is Withdrawn from the Spray aperture 80 1,730,410 10/1929 Dennison that the cleaning member will clear the spray aperture 2,040,223 5/1936 Tullis of any obstructions therein. A freewheeling fan is 2,087,075 7/1937 Velos mounted over the spray aperture and is'adapted to ro- 2,555,27l 5/1951 JflVCh et 31 1 261/89 X tate response to the flow f gas past the pray head y 1 Rotation of the wheel deflects and facilitates vaporizaman 3,215,416 "965 Liben 261/142 tton of the stream of fluid ex1t1ng from the spray head. 3,406,498 1 1/ 1968 Wisting 261/89 X 6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures HUMIDIFIER This invention relates to humidifiers.

Many problems are encountered with present humidifiers. Most of these problems result from the sediment which is left as a result of the evaporation of the water. The sediment tends to build up and clog or render inoperative the particular humidifier being used. Some humidifiers use a sponge or wick which is exposed to the stream of air being forced through the ventilation system. The calcium deposits and other sedimentation which build up on these sponge or wick'type humidifiers make it necessary to replace the wick or sponge several times a year in order for the humidifier to operate satisfactorily.

Another type of humidifier which has been tried is a spray-type humidifier which sprays a fine stream of water into the air stream being forced through the ventilation system. The problem with this type of humidifier is that the sediment very often blocks the apertures through which the water is sprayed, thereby rendering the humidifier inoperative. Another problem encountered is that the stream of water is not sufficiently deflected or broken up to cause thorough evaporation.

The present invention solves many of the problems encountered with previous humidifiers. It utilizes a spray-type system, but provides means for cleaning the spray apertures so that they do not clog with sediment. Furthermore it provides means for deflecting and breaking up the spray to insure its full vaporization in the air stream.

Therefore a primary object of the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which does not clog or become inoperative over extended periods of use.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which injects fluid into a moving stream of gas through an aperture which is smaller than cleaners when the device is operating.

A further object'of the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which becomes operative in response to gas flow past the spray head and which automatically shuts down when the gas flow stops.

A further object of the present invention is the provi sion of a humidifier which is not affected by sedimentation, dust, or other clogging materials.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which is clean and dependable in operation. I

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which is simple in construction and considerably less expensive to manufacture than previous humidifiers.

A further objectof the present invention is the provision of a humidifier which is economical to manufacture, durable in use and efficient in operation.

This invention consists in the construction, arrangements and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth, specifically pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the humidifier mounted within a ventilation system.

FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2 2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the cam and the cleaners in the inoperative position.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view illustrating a modification of the present device utilizing two freewheeling fans.

Referring to FIG. 1 a humidifier 10 is shown mounted within a furnace 12 above a fan 14 so as to be in the path of the stream of air exiting from the fan 14. Humidifier 10 includes an input water line 16, a solenoid operated valve 18, a support member 20, a spray head 22, a cam shaft 24 having a cam 26 thereon, a wind vane or blade 28, and a mercury switch 30. A water tube 32 (FIGS. 2 and 3) extends from solenoid 18 to spray head 22 for delivering water thereto.

Spray head 22 includes a longitudinal bore 34 (FIG. 3) extending therethro ugh. Bore 34 is connected to water line 32 by means of a coupling 36. Extending upwardly from the bottom of spray head 22 are one or more vertical bores 38. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 each bore 38 includes a threaded portion 40 at its lower end and an inwardly slanting shoulder 42 spaced inwardly a short distance from its lower end. Bore 38 does not extend entirely through spray head 22, but terminates a short distance short of the upper surface of spray head 22. A spray aperture 44 is bored from the upper end of vertical bore 38 outwardly through the upper surface of spray head 22. The preferred size of aperture or orifice 44 is approximately 0.007 inches in diameter. The drawings illustrate orifice 44 as being formed in a sapphire 46 fitted within a metal collet 48 which in turn is pressed fitted in the upper surface of spray head 22. However, such a sapphire and collet are not necessary to the satisfactory operation of the invention. Aperture 44 may be bored through spray head 22 if so desired.

Mounted within vertical bore 38 is a cleaning mechanism 50. Mechanism 50 includes a body 52 having a threaded portion at its lower end for threadably engaging threads 40 of bore 38. Mounted on the outer surface of body 52 is an elastomeric seal 54 which abuts against inwardly slanted shoulder 42 of bore 38 so as to provide a seal therein, thereby forming a sealed chamber 56 in the upper portion of bore 38. Mounted within body 52 is a longitudinally movable plunger 58 having a bearing head 60 on its lower end and a wiregripping end 62 on its upper end. Plunger 58 is spring mounted within body 52 in much the same fashion as is the plunger in the needle valves commonly used in pneumatic tires. The spring mounting of plunger 58 urges plunger 58 downwardly. A sealing shoulder 64 having an elastomeric ring (not shown) mounted therein engages the upper end of body 52 as shown in FIG. 4 so as to limit the downward movement of plunger 58. The sealing ring within shoulder 64 prevents any fluid flow from chamber 56 through body 52 when plunger 58 is in its lower position as shown in FIG. 4. Secured to end 62 of plunger 58 is a cleaning wire 66 which is vertically disposed and which is in vertical alignment with spray aperture or orifice 44. As

shown in FIG. 4, when plunger 58 is in its lowermost position, wire 66 is withdrawn from aperture 44, and as shown in FIG. 5, when plunger 58 is forced upwardly, wire 66 protrudes within and extends upwardly through orifice 44 so that it protrudes slightly above the uppermost end of orifice 44.

When fan 14 is not operating, plunger 58 is held in the position shown in FIG. 5 with wire 66 protruding within and extending above aperture 44. The position of plunger 5 8 is determined by the position of blade 28. When fan 14 is not running, the weight of blade 28 causes it to dangle in a vertically disposed position as shown in FIG. 5. This causes the rotational position of shaft 24 and cam 26 to be such that cam 26 presses against a bearing block 68 and urges it upwardly. Bearing block 68 is slidably mounted for vertical movement on a pair of slide bearings 70 (FIG. 3). Cam block 68 engages bearing heads 60 of plungers 58. Thus when cam 26 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, it urges bearing block 68 upwardly and consequently urges plungers 58 upwardly so that wires 66 protrude upwardly beyond the upper ends of apertures 44.

When fan 14 is operating the wind emitted from fan 14 causes blade 28 to swing upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 4. This orientation of blade 28 causes shaft 24 and cam 26 to be rotated so as to permit the spring bias of plunger 58 to urge plunger 58 and bearing block 60 downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 4. In this position wire 66 has been withdrawn from aperture 44 so as to permit fluid to exit therefrom. In this position water may enter chamber 56 from bore 34 and the water is then forced outwardly through spray aperture 44. Thus when fan 14 is not in operation, wire 66 protrudes within aperture 44. When fan 14 begins operation wire 66 is withdrawn from aperture 44 thereby guaranteeing that aperture 44 will not be clogged as a result of sedimentation, dust or other clogging materials.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a fan wheel 72 is rotatably mounted for freewheeling movement on the upper surface of spray head 22 by means of a post 74 having bearings 76 mounted therein. Fan 72 includes a plurality of blades 78 which are pitched in such a manner that fan wheel 72 rotates in response to the air stream exiting from fan 14. Thus whenever fan 14 is actuated, fan wheel 72 rotates at a high speed. Since blades 78 extend over apertures 44, they cause the fluid streams being forced out of apertures 44 to be deflected and further broken up so as to facilitate vaporization of the fluid exiting from apertures 44.

Referring to FIG. 6, a modification of the present device is shown wherein a second fan wheel 80 is rotatably mounted above first mentioned fan wheel 72. Fan wheel 80 also includes blades 82 which are pitched at an orientation opposite to the pitch of blades 78 on fan wheel 72. Thus when wheels 72, 80 are subjected to the air stream from fan 14, wheels 72, 80 rotate in opposite directions with respect to one another. This creates a further chopping action on the sprays exiting from apertures 44 thereby facilitating greater vaporization of the water being ejected into the air stream from fan 14.

Mercury switch 30 is mounted to the outer end of cam shaft 24, and is positioned so that it is in an off position when wind vane or blade 28 is in a vertical position. When blade 28 is in a position such as shown in FIG. 4, mercury switch 30 is an on position. Switch 30 is connected in the electrical circuitry with solenoid operated valve 18 in such a manner that when switch 30 is in ari on position solenoid valve 18 is actuated to introduce water flow from water input line 16 through water tube 32 into bore 34 and chambers 56.

When fan 14 is not operating blade 28 is in the vertical position shown in FIG. 5. In this position wires 66 protrude within apertures 44 and solenoid 18 is deactuated. When fan 14 starts the wind created by fan 14 causes blade 28 to move to the position shown in FIG. 4. This causes two things to happen. First, mercury switch 30 actuates solenoid 18 so that water is forced into chambers 56 and outwardly through apertures 44. Simultaneously, wires 66 are withdrawn from apertures 44 so as to permit the water to be forced outwardly through apertures 44. When the fan stops blade 28 again moves down to its vertical position as a result of its own weight. This causes mercury switch 30 to shut off the water supply to apertures 44 and simultaneously causes wire 66 to be urged upwardly into apertures 44.

From the above it can be seen that the present invention provides means for insuring that apertures 44 are always clear and do not become clogged through extended use. Even if sediment is deposited around apertures 44, wires 66 insure that an opening will always be cleared through aperture 44. This permits the use of extremely small spray apertures so as to insure a fine spray into the air stream coming from fan 14. While the size for apertures 44 and wires 66 may vary without detracting from the invention, it has been found that apertures as small as 0.007 inches in diameter may be used with wires which are 0.005 inches in diameter. Fans 72 and further breakup the jet spray so as to insure that it will fully evaporate and humidify the air being forced by fan 14. The entire device operates automatically and its moving parts are such that breakdowns through extended use are minimized.

Furthermore, the present device is easy to install in any presently existing ventilation system. All that is necessary is to cut a hole in the walls of a furnace such as furnace 12, and to mount humidifier 10 through this aperture by means of screws or bolts 84. The simplicity of the present device contributes to its low cost of manufacture and to its dependable use over extended periods of time. Presently known humidifiers incorporate complicated systems which are not durable and which are highly expensive. In view of the foregoing it can be seen that the device accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

I claim: I

l. A humidifier for injecting fluid into a moving stream of gaseous substance, comprising:

a spray head having at least one spray aperture therein and having a feed conduit for introducing fluid under pressure to said spray aperture;

a cleaning member sized to fit within said spray aperture, said cleaning member being movable from a first position wherein it protrudes within said spray aperture to a second position wherein it is withdrawn from said spray aperture; and

mechanism connected to said cleaning member for selectively moving said cleaning member between said first and second positions so that said cleaning member will clear said spray aperture of obstructions;

said mechanism including a cam positioned adjacent said cleaning member and being selectively movable to move said cleaning member between said first and second positions, said cam being connected to a blade, means mounting said blade so that its weight normally causes said cam to hold said cleaning member in said first position, said blade being movable in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance to cause said cam to move said cleaning member to said second position.

2. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein said cleaning member is an elongated wire which is longitudinally movable, said wire protruding completely through said spray aperture when in said first position.

spray aperture when in said first position.

4. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein a freewheeling fan blade is rotatably mounted in covering relation over said spray aperture, said fan blade being rotatable in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance, whereby said blade will break up and further vaporize the stream of fluid exiting from said spray aperture.

5. A humidifier according to claim 4 wherein a second fan blade is rotatably mounted about the same axis as said first mentioned fan blade, said first and second fan blades having opposite pitches so that they rotate in opposite directions in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance.

6. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein a valve is connected to said feed conduit and is movable from an open position permitting fluid flow to said spray aperture to a closed position closing off fluid flow to said spray aperture. 

1. A humidifier for injecting fluid into a moving stream of gaseous substance, comprising: a spray head having at least one spray aperture therein and having a feed conduit for introducing fluid under pressure to said spray aperture; a cleaning member sized to fit within said spray aperture, said cleaning member being movable from a first position wherein it protrudes within said spray aperture to a second position wherein it is withdrawn from said spray aperture; and mechanism connected to said cleaning member for selectively moving said cleaning member between said first and second positions so that said cleaning member will clear said spray aperture of obstructions; said mechanism including a cam positioned adjacent said cleaning member and being selectively movable to move said cleaning member between said first and second positions, said cam being connected to a blade, means mounting said blade so that its weight normally causes said cam to hold said cleaning member in said first position, said blade being movable in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance to cause said cam to move said cleaning member to said second position.
 2. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein said cleaning member is an elongated wire which is longitudinally movable, said wire protruding completely through said spray aperture when in said first position.
 3. A humidifier according to claim 2 wherein said spray aperture and said feed conduit are in communication with a chamber within said spray heAd, said wire being mounted within said chamber and being adapted to protrude outwardly of said spray head through said spray aperture when in said first position.
 4. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein a freewheeling fan blade is rotatably mounted in covering relation over said spray aperture, said fan blade being rotatable in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance, whereby said blade will break up and further vaporize the stream of fluid exiting from said spray aperture.
 5. A humidifier according to claim 4 wherein a second fan blade is rotatably mounted about the same axis as said first mentioned fan blade, said first and second fan blades having opposite pitches so that they rotate in opposite directions in response to said moving stream of gaseous substance.
 6. A humidifier according to claim 1 wherein a valve is connected to said feed conduit and is movable from an open position permitting fluid flow to said spray aperture to a closed position closing off fluid flow to said spray aperture. 